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 As sailors we witness first hand the devastation of water pollution, over-fishing, coral reef declination and most alarmingly, the impact of climate change.  Despite only accounting for a mere 0.03% of the World’s Carbon Emissions, the Pacific Islands are on the front line of these changes, suffering dire consequences for the actions of the over-consumptive West.Like tiny rocks thrown up and dispersed into the ocean by volcanic activity, most islands in the Pacific are coral atolls covered with hard sand and meagre soil, scarcely rising above sea level. Communities living on these low lying islands are fighting a losing battle against the ocean. As tides heighten and storm surges become stronger, people are being pushed back from the shoreline by flooding and coastal erosion. In some areas they have been forced to relocate entirely. Tuvalu, a Polynesian country that Infinity is visiting, is made up of a fringe of nine coral atolls. Tuvalu’s topography – the highest point reaching no more than 5 meters above sea level, although the majority lies at around 2 meters – means that there is nowhere within the country to which it’s 11,600 people can safely relocate, to escape the rising sea levels. Recent studies predict that in less than 50 years the country will be completely submerged. Even higher lying communities are facing the threat of relocation, as ground water contamination and soil salinity destroy subsistent resources. In Tepuka Savilivili, an island in the Republic of Kiribati, the soil is no longer able to support coconut trees, while some communities have resorted to growing their crops in tin cans! Further deterioration of coastal conditions such as coral reef bleaching and the destruction of mangrove forests are drastically affecting fish populations – yet another vital local resource. |
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Are the remote islands of the Pacific ill prepared for inevitable changes? Whilst the World’s developed countries negotiate international environmental agreements and argue over which steps to take against global warming, entire communities in the Pacific are being destroyed.People’s organisations face the challenge to make the impact of climate change on their Islands an urgent human rights issue.  Perhaps only then may adequate resources and funding be sourced for the implementation of environmental preservative measures such as the construction of coastal defences, the protection of water supplies, and the development of more efficient agricultural schemes, and land use planning programs which allow for inland migration. Or, in the worst of scenarios, effecting relocation programs. |
During our voyage Infinity is visiting communities among the most vulnerable to the destructive effects of climate change. Besides adventuring and cultural exchange we explore the environmental and social impact climate change has on remote communities. How are Pacific Island communities currently being affected by climate change? Are people aware of the threats posed by climate change? What are their concerns? How equipped are communities to implement appropriate preservative measures?  The aim is to create an ongoing dialogue which can be taken from community to community, empowering people to respond to these challenges. Wherever possible and appropriate, this is filmed and documented. We want to highlight the impressions evolving from our enquiry through film, articles, and other creative imagery. Our vision is to provide both a fun and creative forum of expression, whilst producing mediums that can act as potentially powerful means to focus public interest on the worsening environmental situation.The Sea Dance Festival provides an effective platform for this enquiry; an interactive way to exhibit relevant topics through performance and workshopping. We also utilise screenings of creative cinema and engaging documentaries to initiate a dialogue. |
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